MORE!

Related:

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri House committee has advanced legislation letting utilities charge electric customers for some of the costs of developing a second nuclear power plant in the state.

The measure would allow power companies to recoup the cost of applying for an early site permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

A group of utilities has announced it is considering seeking such a permit for a nuclear power plant in Missouri. The permit would not authorize construction, and the group has said it has not decided whether to build a plant.

The House Utilities Committee on Tuesday voted 21-2 to approve the legislation.

A 1976 voter-approved law bars utilities from charging customers for the costs of a new power plant before it starts producing electricity.